English idiom

play ball

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to cooperate or agree to do what someone wants

Why this phrase?

From ball games; figuratively means to cooperate.

Example

“The supplier finally decided to play ball and lower the price.”

Dictionary details

Tags

agreement

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

on the same page

In agreement or sharing the same understanding.

see eye to eye

To agree completely with someone.

get someone on board

to persuade someone to join or support a plan or project

meet someone halfway

to compromise with someone

preach to the choir

to try to convince people who already agree with you

take on board

to accept and consider an idea, suggestion, or piece of information

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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